Digicel Fiji HSDPA network now live in Lautoka

Mobile operator Digicel Fiji has admitted that its 3.5G HSDPA network is now live in a number of towns, with other areas lining up for coverage. The cellco’s commercial director Andrew Skelton told The Fiji Times that the upgrade is the result of its first-phase network modernisation plan for the country, which envisages a spend of FJD70 million (USD38 million) to expand its mobile data capabilities. ‘While we have tried to keep this network rollout a secret, unfortunately all of our Digicel customers in Lautoka will have seen these phones arrive with an ‘H’ symbol about two weeks ago,’ he said. ‘This highlights HSDPA coverage and so we are live in Lautoka with new towns lining up daily … The key element of this FJD70 million investment is that every single tower in Fiji will have 3G Plus coverage, even Rotuma.’

Last month, Digicel Fiji unveiled its ‘most significant investment’ in the country since it launched operations in 2008. According to TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate the operator will use the monies to roll out a new 4G network as well as deploying 3G+ infrastructure. At the time, Digicel CEO Darren McLean said the company is committed to changing the dynamic of the local market by ensuring end users have access to the fastest mobile internet services available. ‘Customers are demanding more of our data network each month so we have made a big decision to enable all of our towers across the country with high speed 3G+ data capability. In addition to this we are also building the nation’s largest 4G network in the main centres of Fiji. This means even higher wireless internet speeds of around 20Mbps in the key population areas,’ he said. Since launching in Fiji in October 2008, Digicel has invested over FJD200 million in its networks and services. Skelton adds: ‘Digicel will operate Fiji’s largest 4G network and we will expand the coverage of our Unwired brand that we are proud to say operates the very first 4G network in Fiji.’